Panama holds off Cuba in a close 1-run contest
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Cuba scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to cut the deficit to a run, but Panama's pitching and defense were able to escape the jam and prevent Cuba from rallying and tying the game or winning in dramatic fashion, 3-2, at Volunteer Stadium.
The loss eliminates Cuba from title contention at the Little League World Series. Panama advances to Tuesday and will face the loser of Japan/Chinese Taipei, who play Monday at 5 p.m.
Omar Vargas threw 4 2/3 innings for Panama, striking out 10, issuing just one walk and allowing just one hit as he kept Cuba's offense at bay. Allan Rodriguez came in relief for 1 1/3 innigns and helped close out the game, striking out two and allowing just two hits.
Ruben Canto (1 for 3), Francesc Rodriguez (1 for 3), Ian Corrales (1 for 1), Edilberto Venado (1 for 2), Nessin Santos (1 for 1) and Aimar Lima (1 for 2) all had hits for Panama.
Cuba had just three hits, but none were more impactful than Luis Aparicio's two-run home run in the sixth inning which looked to provide Cuba a spark.
"They were definitely prepared for situations like that. Home runs are part fo the game. That inning we chatted with our players on the mound and told them just to move on and get another out," Panama manager Oliver Arcia said through a translator.